Downey News, CA Local News

Central Basin general manager placed on leave pending investigation

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 07:58:33 +0000

Central Basin Municipal Water District’s board has placed General Manager Alex Rojas on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an independent investigation into the legitimacy of contracts tied to a company accused of paying bribes to Rojas at his previous job.

Though the water agency’s board approved the investigation back in September, it could not reach a consensus on what to do with Rojas, who continued to lead the district despite his arrest in 2022 for allegedly accepting bribes while he was the superintendent in the Bassett Unified School District.

A narrow majority wanted to place him on leave over the potential connection to his criminal case, but the district’s general counsel at the time advised that protections in Rojas’ contract required the support of six of seven board members to take any “adverse action” against him.

The board hired a new attorney in December who appears to have a different interpretation. This time, the vote to place Rojas on leave Wednesday, Feb. 7 passed with four votes in favor, one against and two board members absent.

Rojas could not be reached for comment.

The board’s vice president, Juan Garza, said the leave is effective immediately and will last until the investigation into the district’s work with Capstone Partners Group is resolved and a related forensic audit is completed.

The contract with Capstone faced little scrutiny until last year, when a deposition revealed that Capstone owner Manuel Jaramillo secretly worked for the Del Terra Group, a company that county prosecutors allege paid $400,000 in bribes to Rojas while he served as superintendent in Bassett. Capstone, set up with help from Del Terra’s owner, also paid Del Terra directly for the use of at least one other employee, according to Jaramillo’s testimony.

Garza stressed that Rojas would be able to return to duty if the findings determine that Capstone’s hiring was above board.

“We are confident his return would be successful once the results are finalized and their findings demonstrate our agency and its operation have never been compromised under his leadership,” he said.

The district’s newly hired general counsel, Victor Ponto, will serve as acting general manager until the board can find a replacement. Garza said the board intends for Ponto, a lawyer with the firm Burke, Williams & Sorensen, to stay in the role for a short period of time due to the need for someone with more expertise.

The administrative investigation, contracted out to an Alabama-based accounting firm, is expected to review how Capstone was selected and the work it performed.

Central Basin, a water wholesaler that serves 1.6 million people from 24 cities and unincorporated areas in Southeast Los Angeles County, hired Capstone in November 2020 to provide construction and project management services.

Public records show the company was formed just three days before it submitted its bid.

Jaramillo voluntarily terminated Capstone’s contract with Central Basin in August 2022, the same month that the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office charged Rojas and Del Terra’s owner, Luis Rojas, who isn’t related, on 18 counts, including money laundering, bribery, perjury and embezzlement.

That case is still pending. Both Alex Rojas, who has been at the helm of Central Basin since August 2020, and Luis Rojas have denied the allegations.

In an interview last year, Rojas said he was not aware of Capstone’s close ties with Del Terra prior to the termination of the contract. Though he sat in on interviews, he did not participate in the scoring, he said.

Capstone’s bid rose to the top because its proposed team included water infrastructure experts well-known in the industry, Rojas said at the time. The team members in the proposal provided resumes listing public projects they had worked on without mentioning any current or previous employers.

Garza, the board vice president, said he is hopeful the forensic audit and investigation will clear up any concerns about the contract and ultimately restore trust in the water agency.

“I think this is the first step,” he said.

Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall faces possible shutdown just months after reopening

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 09:25:17 +0000

State regulators will decide Feb. 15 whether to shut down the newly reopened Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, potentially leaving Los Angeles County with hundreds of detained juveniles and no suitable facility large enough to hold them.

The looming deadline comes after Los Padrinos in Downey and the Barry J. Nidorf Secure Youth Treatment Facility in Sylmar failed key inspections in January. State inspectors determined the Los Angeles County Probation Department remains out of compliance with California regulations and has not properly addressed substandard conditions at the juvenile facilities, contrary to the claims of probation officials.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, whose district includes Los Padrinos in Downey, expressed her disappointment that the Board of State and Community Corrections is considering shutting down two more of the county’s juvenile facilities.

“We have long known what the BSCC’s expectations were and it is troubling that the department made so little progress and fell so short in meeting them,” she said in a statement. “It is clear that our Probation Department has enormous challenges, from staffing to programming, but it is imperative that we bring these two facilities into compliance because the future of the youth in our care is in jeopardy.”

Hahn pledged to “put every available County resource” behind the necessary improvements.

Not enough time, probation chief says

In a statement, probation chief Guillermo Viera Rosa blamed the department’s failure to fix the juvenile facilities on the severe deadlines imposed by the state. The county had to scramble over a two-month period to transfer nearly 300 youth to Los Padrinos last year when the BSCC forced the closure of Central and Barry J. Nidorf juvenile halls over similar conditions.

“BSCC chose to set the timeline despite our request for 150 days to properly transition the youth from Central and Barry J. Nidorf to Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall and institute change,” Viera Rosa said in a statement. “While the goals that BSCC has given to us are not ambitious in and of themselves, the timeframe they gave us to complete the work is.”

Conflicting requirements from the BSCC and the California Department of Justice, which separately won a court order against the county, created confusion and “a significant hindrance to our progress toward achieving compliance,” Viera Rosa said.

Under state law, a juvenile facility deemed “unsuitable” by the BSCC is given 60 days to address outstanding issues, or it must close. The BSCC declared Central and Barry J. Nidorf, which housed roughly 300 juveniles combined, “unsuitable” last year after persistent short staffing left the facilities in such poor conditions that youth were routinely missing school and forced to urinate in their rooms overnight because there weren’t enough employees to take them to the restroom.

Same issues at Los Padrinos

Ahead of the impending closures, the county opted to merge the two juvenile halls at Los Padrinos, which had closed in 2019, in hopes that a single juvenile hall would allow for more efficient use of the department’s available staff. Viera Rosa also ordered probation officers working in the field to work mandated shifts in the juvenile facilities to fill in the gaps caused by a high number of call-outs and medical leaves.

The BSCC’s inspectors almost immediately found the same issues at Los Padrinos and the SYTF, a separate unit for sentenced youth at Barry J. Nidorf that was not affected by last year’s closure.

Los Padrinos experienced two violent escape attempts within the first four months of reopening. The department had to put eight officers on leave for allegedly standing by while a group of juveniles beat a teen.

In October, Los Angeles County submitted — and the BSCC accepted — a “corrective action plan” for both facilities that would bring each up to the state’s minimum standards. Probation officials subsequently notified the state they had completed that work in January.

Only 1 of 12 violations corrected

But when inspectors showed up last month to verify that claim, they found the county hadn’t corrected most of the deficiencies. At Los Padrinos, only one out of 12 violations were fixed. Similarly, at the SYTF, only three out of 10 areas of noncompliance had been addressed.

A staffing analysis at both facilities found that “minimum staffing numbers were not consistently met” and that the reassigned field staff meant to bolster the ranks were no longer showing up. In a letter, Lisa Southwell, the BSCC’s field representative, was “unsure how compliance will be achieved and maintained” because each facility’s corrective action plan hinged on having enough staff available.

At Los Padrinos, inspectors found that youth continue to arrive late to school 49% of the time as a result. Other findings indicated the department is not providing enough recreational programs and activities, is not consistently conducting searches for contraband and performing safety checks, and has failed to properly train its employees on room confinements and use of force.

The department also failed to develop a fire safety plan in the event that Los Padrinos needs to be evacuated and has yet to fully implement a required behavioral management program with incentives for the detained youths to work toward, according to a notice sent by the BSCC.

Los Angeles County officials now must appear before the BSCC at its Feb. 15 meeting to plead their case.

Aditi Sherikar, a senior policy associate with the Children’s Defense Fund California, said the BSCC must declare both facilities unsuitable as the Probation Department has missed the 90-day statutory deadline to implement its corrective action plans.

Electronic monitoring?

If Los Padrinos and the SYTF are closed, Sherikar said the county does not have enough space at its other facilities to relocate the youths again. She hopes the county will instead invest in alternatives that will return the youths — most of whom have been charged but not convicted — back to their communities and reduce the overall juvenile population to a more manageable level.

“I think this is a wake-up call for L.A. County to look at what is the common denominator here,” she said. “It’s not the walls, it’s not the structures, it’s the department.”

More than 300 youths will remain in substandard conditions for every day that the facilities are allowed to stay open, she said.

“None of these violations are new,” she said. “They are almost exactly the same as they were last year and the year before that.”

Elections 2024: Rep. Robert Garcia faces 3 challengers for Congressional District 42

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 09:23:07 +0000

Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia, who became the first openly LGBTQ immigrant in U.S. House of Reprentatives last year, will begin his bid to retain California’s 42nd Congressional District seat by coming out on top — or at least the top two — in the March 5 primary election against three other candidates.

Garcia, who rose to the national spotlight in 2022 after serving as the first Latino and first openly gay mayor in Long Beach’s history, will face two Democrats, Joaquin Beltran and Nicole Lopez, and Republican John Briscoe — who will likely be his main adversary.

The top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, will advance to the Nov. 5 general election.

Garcia is an overwhelming favorite in the primary race, with Briscoe likely to come second, based on results from the 2022 primary and general election. Briscoe surprised political observers with 26% of the vote in that primary.

Beltran and Lopez, the latter of whom did not respond to requests for comment, also competed in the 2022 primary — though they finished with single-digit percentages.

Garcia also has more campaign cash on hand than his opponents. He had about $541,109 at the end of 2023, according to the Federal Elections Commission. Briscoe had nearly $250,000 in cash, but that sum was a personal loan from him to his campaign.

Lopez had 1,231 in cash on hand at the end of the year, according to the FEC, while Beltran did not have any campaign finance documents available.

The 42nd Congressional District includes Downey, Long Beach, Lakewood, Commerce, Bell Gardens, Bell, Huntington Park, Florence, Cudahy, Maywood, Bellflower, Lakewood, Walnut Park, Signal Hill and Avalon.

The district had 399,277 registered voters as of Jan. 5, according to the California Secretary of State’s office. Of those, about 54% were registered Democrats, compared to about 17% Republicans. About 21.5% had no party preference. The rest were registered with smaller political parties.

Rep. Robert Garcia

Garcia, in a phone interview on Thursday, Feb. 1, said his first year as a congressmember has been a great one. He said he’s honored to represent the same communities he’s worked with regionally for a long time, particularily in the southeast portion of Los Angeles County.

“Being mayor of one of the largest cities in Califonia has been absolutely beneficial,” Garcia said. “I understand how government works. I feel I know what the community needs and what neighborhoods need.”

Safety, climate change and infrastructure are some of the most important issues in District 42, Garcia said.

He’s particularly proud of securing $238 million in federal funds for the Port of Long Beach, which will help create jobs, enhance rail operations and reduce pollution.

As co-chair of the Congressional Ports Opportunity, Renewal, Trade, and Security Caucus, he’s made the twin ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles a priority, Garcia said.

Protecting democracy, meanwhile, is high on Garcia’s list of priorities should he win a second term.

“I’ve taken on some of the most extreme voices in (Washington), D.C.,” Garcia said.

Garcia was a key leader in expelling George Santos from Congress late last year, after an ethics report revealed the Republican used campaign donations for personal use.

And in his role as president of the 36 Democratic freshmen congressmembers, Garcia said, he’s also been able to demonstrate his leadership skills.

He’s a coalition builder, Garcia said, and leadership skills translate to whether you are guiding peers in Washington, D.C., or working with constitiuents.

“I believe in being honest and in justice for all people,” Garcia said. “The responsibility of government is to help people and people who need help the most.”

Many people in his district and throughout the country, Garcia said, are still feeling the impacts of a slowly improving economy. Inflation is a factor and the cost of housing is still incredibly high.

There’s a lot of work left to do, he said, but there is definitely good momemtum in those areas.

Other priorities for Garcia are continuing to bring back money for health care, pandemic prevention, LGBTQ rights and strenghtening the economy.

Overall, Garcia said, he loves the opportunity to represent his hometown in Congress.

“We’re working hard every day to get as much federal support as possible,” Garcia said. “I’m driven by that every day.”

John Briscoe

Briscoe, a Republican business owner and youth advocate, described himself as the “antithesis” of Garcia in a phone interview on Tuesday, Jan. 30.

The incumbent, Briscoe said, is syncophatic toward President Joe Biden and doesn’t veer from the Democratic party line.

Briscoe is running again because prices are too high, he said, pointing to gas and food costs, though the former has gone down in recent weeks.

“The real costs are up 30% over the last three years,” Briscoe said. “Nobody got pay increases by that much.”

Inflation, Briscoe said, is “a nasty, stick the federal finger in your pocketbook and pluck the money out” proposition.

The Republican challenger is also keen on protecting parental rights, he said. It’s horrible, Briscoe said, that some parents don’t know specifics about what their children are learning in school. And, the longtime Huntington Beach-area school board member said, he believes in public school choice. No matter where you live, he said, you have the right to send children to a school in a good district.

“All of our teachers are good,” Briscoe said, “all of our schools are good, but they’re not all the same.”

Briscoe, if elected, would also advocate for family safety, he said. That, he said, “means the homeless problem.”

“I look over the cesspool of people who are in just deep, dire need of help,” he said of his Long Beach office window, which overlooks people experiencing homelessness.

To solve the issue, Briscoe said, he would “make an affirmative effort to identify people who are under the influence and go through and do a sweep.” People would be given three choices, he said: pay a $300 fine, go to jail or go to a rehabilitation facility.

The problem, Briscoe said, is that when President Ronald Reagan reduced funding for mental health institutions in 1981 and “turned everyone out on the street, the money didn’t follow them to give them treatment.”

Something dramatic has to be done to help people, Briscoe said.

Briscoe said he’ll focus his campaign on the northern portion of District 42, which includes cities such as Downey, Bellflower and Cudahy.

His path to victory, he said, is the family man.

“If it’s true that Hispanic voters are listening a little harder,” Briscoe said, “then my messaging will be heard loudly by those people.”

The Republican challenger was also characteristically critical of the current Congress, calling them “feckless and spineless” and saying they are “spending like a drunken soldier.”

Joaquin Beltran

Beltran is a software engineer and community organizer who said Congress should be funding food, gas, rent and health care instead of financing overseas conflicts.

He’s running again, he said during a Wednesday, Jan. 31, phone interview, because “there is such urgency to making sure that our future is better than the current politicians are making it out to be.”

It’s important, he said, for politicians to be direct, have a vision and to have leadership where “people aren’t playing games.”

Beltran advocated beginning in May 2023 for LA County to bring masks back into health care settings, he said. And in December, the public health department, indeed, brought the rule back.

Besides prioritizing health care as a priorty, Beltran also said bringing prices down and fixing the economy is important. And those go hand-in-hand. When people are healthier, he said, the economy is healthier.

“The American dream has, unfortunately, become undone,” Beltran said. “For me, it’s all tied together. It’s a web of health and prosperity. If someone could have a lot of money, they would definitely trade their money to have their health.”

Beltran, whose parents immigrated from Mexico, stressed they had to work harder to get resources than non-immigrants.

“Government needs to create an environment for people to thrive,” Beltran said, adding there needs to be better and more accessible health care for all.

Beltran said he doesn’t think anything has gotten better in District 42 over the last few years. Small business owners are out of business, people can’t afford to pay rent, there are job losses. Unlike career politicians, he said, he’s willing to “be direct, to be clear and to have a stated vision and goals.”

Many politicians, Beltran said, wait until the timing is right before acting. He wouldn’t do that, he said.

Beltran wants people to understand how much power the little guy holds, saying “every action they take, no matter how small they think it is, it makes a huge difference.

“It all adds up,” Beltran said, “and we really need them because we need better people in office.”

Nicole Lopez

Lopez is a nonprofit employee who is running on a platform of “Medicare for all,” supporting the Green New Deal and implementing comprehensive immigration reform, according to her campaign website.

The Democrat did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

But on her website, the challenger wrote that she is fighting for “everyday Americans,” and giving voice to migrant workers and others who have been left out of the decision making rooms on Capitol HIll.

Congressional District 42

Candidates: Democrats Joaquin Beltran, Robert Garcia and Nicole Lopez, and Republican John Briscoe.

Term length: Two years.

District boundaries: Downey, Long Beach, Lakewood, Commerce, Bell Gardens, Bell, Huntington Park, Florence, Cudahy, Maywood, Bellflower, Lakewood, Walnut Park, Signal Hill and Avalon.

Registered voters: 399,277, as of Jan. 5, according to the California Secretary of State’s office.

Key issues: Inflation, healthcare, homelessness, education.

Information: lavote.gov.

About the 2024 statewide primary election

Election Day: March 5, 2024. Polls close at 8 p.m.

Early voting: You can vote at the Los Angeles County registrar’s office beginning Monday, Feb. 5. The registrar’s headquarters are at 12400 Imperial Highway, Room 3002, in Norwalk. That office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Vote-by-mail: Ballots began going out on Thursday, Feb. 1. You can submit VBMs in three ways: By mailing them to the registrar’s office (VBMs include return envelopes with the correct address and postage already included); by placing them in an official drop box; or by dropping them off at any county Vote Center.

VBM deadline: VBMs sent via mail must arrive no later than seven days after the election, but they must be postmarked by March 5. The deadline to place VBMs in a drop box or deliver them to a Vote Center is 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Vote Centers: Vote Centers open 10 days before Election Day. This year, that’s Saturday, Feb. 24. You can vote at any Vote Center in Los Angeles County. Prior to Election Day, the Vote Centers will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Election Day, they will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

About the ballots: In California, the order races are listed on ballots goes from local to federal, meaning the nominees for president will be listed at the bottom. Except for presidential races, California’s primaries for “partisan” offices – now known as “voter-nominated offices” have a top-two system. That means the top two vote getters in a given race advance to the general election, regardless of political party.

To find a drop box or Vote Center and for more information: lavote.gov.

Video captures suspected DUI driver slamming into school playground in Downey

Sat, 27 Jan 2024 06:53:03 +0000

Video captures the terrifying moment a suspected DUI driver slams into a car and narrowly misses bystanders before crashing into a school playground in Downey.

The crash happened on Jan. 25 at Gallatin Elementary School located near the intersection of Manzanar Avenue and Gallatin Road at around 5 p.m.

Surveillance video captured by a neighbor across the street shows a large white SUV speeding down the road before suddenly veering onto the sidewalk. The driver slams into a parked sedan and narrowly misses two pedestrians near the sidewalk.

The sedan was pushed through a fence surrounding the school and both vehicles crash-landed on the campus playground. The pedestrians were seen running for their lives.

Gaby Enciso is a witness who lives across the street from the school.

“When I came out the front door, I saw the white SUV in the playground,” Enciso said. “It looked like total chaos, for sure.

Video captures the terrifying moment a suspected DUI driver slams into a car and narrowly misses bystanders before crashing into a Downey school playground on Jan. 25, 2024. (Gabby Enciso)
Video captures the terrifying moment a suspected DUI driver slams into a car and narrowly misses bystanders before crashing into a Downey school playground on Jan. 25, 2024. (Gabby Enciso)
Video captures the terrifying moment a suspected DUI driver slams into a car and narrowly misses bystanders before crashing into a Downey school playground on Jan. 25, 2024. (Gabby Enciso)
Video captures the terrifying moment a suspected DUI driver slams into a car and narrowly misses bystanders before crashing into a Downey school playground on Jan. 25, 2024. (Gabby Enciso)

She checked her home security camera and, to her surprise, discovered it had captured the violent crash, the loud sound of crunching metal and screeching tires overtaking the footage.

“Just thinking about it, I was really shaky,” she recalled. “Just chills all over. It was really, really shocking.”

Enciso said she was stunned to see how close the car came to hitting the two pedestrians. She ran across the street to offer them help.

“The lady who almost got hit, she lifted her pant leg and I did see bruising, scrapes and scratches,” Enciso said.

She called the police and provided the security footage to authorities. The suspect driver was later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Their identity was not released.

No children or school staff were injured in the incident. Upon hearing news of the crash, local residents told KTLA that speeding is a major problem in the area.

“I have concerns because my daughter plays in [the school playground],” said Michael Aviles, a concerned parent.

Aviles is among a group of concerned parents who want to start a conversation with the school about safety measures that can be taken to protect children and staff.

”That’s one area where the kids need to be protected, especially where the kindergarteners play because they’re on the main street right here,” Aviles said. “So I feel like it definitely is time to change the fence or do something to protect them.”

“More signs or something,” said Don Monroy, an elementary school student. “Stop signs, traffic lights. Don’t become drunk and don’t speed.”

Following the crash, school officials installed a temporary barrier as they fix the destroyed fence and playground area.

The Downey Unified School District said it is working with the police department on the investigation along with the installation of permanent fencing that will better protect students on campus.

Footage of the crash can be seen in the video player above.

8 probation officers placed on leave after ‘significant incident’ at LA County juvenile hall

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 16:09:40 +0000

The Los Angeles County Probation Department has placed eight probation officers on leave for allegedly not stopping a group of juveniles from beating a teen at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in December.

In a statement Wednesday, Jan. 10, Probation Chief Guillermo Viera Rosa said he took immediate action against the officers on Jan. 4 after the department’s chief safety and security officer notified him of a “significant incident” of alleged misconduct between the officers and the juveniles.

“I am committed to providing a safe and secure environment that gives the youth committed to our care a clear path to rehabilitation,” Viera Rosa said in a statement. “We are actively identifying and removing those who do not align with our core values and standards to eliminate the negative influences within our organization.”

The department, which touted its commitment to “transparency and accountability” in the announcement, declined to provide any details about what actually occurred.

However, the Los Angeles Times, citing anonymous sources, reported the officers were captured on camera standing idly while the attack took place. The victim reportedly suffered a broken nose and had to be hospitalized, according to one source.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, at Viera Rosa’s request, is handling the investigation instead of Probation’s internal affairs department. The Probation Department, after receiving approval from the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Jan. 9, is assessing the feasibility of using outside organizations to conduct its internal affairs investigations in the future.

Supervisor Janice Hahn, whose district includes the juvenile hall in Downey, said she was briefed about the incident by Viera Rosa and believes “the decision to suspend these eight officers was the right one.”

“I think it is important that the Sheriff’s Department is conducting an independent investigation,” she said.

The discipline comes after a year of turmoil in the county’s juvenile detention system. Last year, state regulators shut down the county’s two juvenile halls over substandard conditions, forcing the department to scramble to renovate and reopen Los Padrinos to house the displaced juveniles. At the same time, a proliferation of drugs in the halls led to the overdose death of a teenager, hospitalizations for half a dozen other juveniles and a crackdown at security checkpoints.

Los Padrinos, initially imagined as a fresh start for the troubled agency, has experienced two violent escape attempts in the six months since it reopened and has failed key inspections from state regulators.

The facility could be forced to shut down too, if the deficiencies identified by inspectors last year are not fixed by the facility’s next inspection.

Rose Parade 2024: Locally funded. No corporate sponsors. Meet the six ‘self-built’ local floats

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 13:55:02 +0000

What makes the six self-built floats of the 2024 Rose Parade, err, different from the rest?

Well, there are no corporate sponsors. This classification means these floats are financed, constructed and decorated completely by volunteers. Usually, the float design is the brain child of a local resident. Oh, let’s not forget fundraising, a key aspect of the home-grown, self-built floats.

In short, these six are not built by commercial float builders as are all the other floats in the parade.

• Also see: Ultimate guide for watching the parade from home

When the self-builts glide down 5 1/2 miles of Colorado Boulevard on Jan. 1, bedecked in roses, carnations, mums and you name it, they may not appear that different from the commercially built floats. But there are notable nuggets that make these so-called legacy floats stand out. And some of the volunteers have stories to tell:

City of Burbank’s float, “Caterpillar Melody,” marks the nonprofit group’s 75th anniversary. (courtesy photo)

• Burbank Tournament of Roses Association — “Caterpillar Melody:” The name says it all. The float features an oversized caterpillar ready to take flight, stopping before its metamorphosis to first play a song on a harp, entertaining nearby butterflies and wildflowers.

The group has been participating in the Rose Parade for 91 years. Designs are accepted from all over the country. The winning design is voted on by the Association.

The community gets to see the transition from pods with wire mesh to a floating 3-D floral display. A few weeks ago, the builders took the bare bones float out for a test drive on Flower Street. They performed the required fire drill where everyone has to leave the float in 45 seconds, said Jon Reeves, a volunteer.

Make no mistake, even these self-built float nonprofits go all out to get the best flowers, materials and erect the most noteworthy mechanical critters that make their designs come to life.

• Also see: Rose Parade 2024 lineup: Your guide to every float, band and equestrian unit, in order

Of the 40,000 flowers covering this float, the musical notes around the “City of Burbank” sign will be adorned with 9,000 burgundy baccara roses tinged in black and imported from Ecuador, said Linda Cozakos, president of the Association.

The self-built float is all done by students from Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. (courtesy photo)

• Cal Poly Universities — “Shock N’ Roll: Powering the Musical Current:” The float is built by students from both campuses, Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. The two student bodies each build their half and bring them together in Pasadena, fulfilling the mathematical principal that two halves make a whole.

This is the only student designed and built float in the parade. And the 2024 entry marks the 75th float from the twin Cal Poly universities. This year’s float showcases a community of eels and rays living in a sea of electric instruments, moving and gyrating thanks to a brand new animation system.

Cash contributions come from alumni and many flowers are donated by local orchards or by flower-importing companies, said Cynthia Peters, spokesperson for Cal Poly Pomona.

Part of the educational underwire of this annual achievement comes from a year-long field lab emphasizing hands-on student learning, from engineering and business to landscape architecture and project management, Peters said.

“This program has changed my life in a 100% positive way,” said Matthew Rodarte, 21, an electrical engineering student from Pomona and Cal Poly Rose Float president on Friday, Dec. 22. “The opportunity to learn how to work as a team, doing things that are inter-disciplinary; there are very few places where you can get that kind of experience.”

“These are incredible skills they are learning,” Peters added.

The Downey Rose Float Association has a long history with the Tournament of Roses. In 1913 the group submitted its first entry into the parade. (courtesy photo)

• Downey Rose Float Association — “Rhythm of the Caribbean:” Their first entry in the parade was 110 years ago, in 1913. Later, in 1954, the Association was formed and they’ve been sending their selfies on wheels down Colorado Boulevard on New Year’s Day every year since then.

Though you won’t see them on Jan. 1, a look behind the floral display of animatronic butterflies, frolicking flamingos and a lagoon syncing to the beat of Caribbean music played by a steel-drum band are civic-minded people who say the floats have put Downey on the map.

They are doctors, teachers, merchants, engineers, lawyers, secretaries, bankers, accountants, police officers, students, retirees and even a handful of politicians, according to the group’s description of the volunteers.

“The difference between a professional float builder and a self float builder is we do it for the pure love of being creative. We are not in it for the money,” explained Kelley G. Roberts Jr., construction manager who has worked on Downey’s floats for 44 years.

Aside from his technical duties, Roberts likes to have fun. He twice road the roller coaster on Downey’s floats, in 2000 and in 2017.

Roberts said “making something out of a drawing” sums up the all-volunteer effort. “There is no hobby store to go and buy these parts. We will take a picture and make every one of those components by hand,” Roberts said on Thursday, Dec. 21.

La Cañada Flintridge is celebrating the hippie movement of the 1960s, displaying music that brings out love, joy and peace. (courtesy photo)

• La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association — “Flower Power:” The suburban city at the base of the Verdugo Mountains northwest of Pasadena is a relatively late bloomer to this parade, having formed its float-building association in 1978.

The group focuses on “whimsical, humorous and animated” floats and this one — its 45th float — is no exception.

The 2024 float depicts a 1960s-era hippie bus with flowers, peace signs and other iconic markers featuring the music from “The Summer of Love.” Four giant flowers play rock instruments while traveling on a cutaway school bus. The concept “explores the theme that striving for peace and love never go out of fashion,” according to the Rose Parade website.

Pam Wiedenbeck, vice president of float development, cut her teeth on float building wielding a welding gun in order to position steel rods that stood up a 7-foot pooch for the 2014 entry “Dog Gone.”

“It got me out from behind a computer,” said the former corporate IT director. “These La Cañada people taught me how to weld, build characters and use my hands,” she said from the parking lot of Flintridge Prep High School, the float’s building lab, on Friday, Dec. 22.

The float will need 50,000 flowers, of which around 80% are roses, she said. The group raised $150,000 to pay for the materials. Of course, the labor is free. She said the group includes many space nerds who work at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in LCF, on the border with Pasadena. “It gives La Cañada Flintridge an international window where we can show the spirit of the community,” she said.

What happens when a carousel horse escapes from the ride? Take a look at the Sierra Madre Rose Float Association’s entry. (courtesy photo)

• Sierra Madre Rose Float Association — “Enchanted Music Box:” For many, music appreciation started with our first music box, which were created in the 1700s. In this case, the horses are spinning around and floating up and down — but one of them has been magically transported beyond the carousel and into the future.

Among the 40,000 flowers on this float, of those, 11,000 are roses.

The group is proud to be building its 92nd float for this parade, all from a tight-knit group of volunteers representing a small city of 10,000 people. They rely on a core of about 12 volunteers, said Kay Sappington, who heads up decorations.

“We are the littlest guy in the parade and we have the lowest budget,” she said. “We build it for about $45,000, which is way lower than any other self-built float.” They receive zero dollars from the city of Sierra Madre and rely 100% on donations, she added.

Economizing includes re-using the chassis and engines that move the float down the boulevard year after year. They even re-use the flower vials, said Sappington, 78, who has been building floats for the group for 29 years.

“It’s all about the sense of accomplishment,” she concluded.

The South Pasadena Tournament of Roses are building “Boogie Fever.” They are the oldest of the self-built float groups entering the parade. They began in 1893. (courtesy photo)

• City of South Pasadena — “Boogie Fever:” The South Pasadena Tournament of Roses has been raising funds to construct and decorate floats since 1893, making it the oldest self-built entry in the parade.

The float depicts a group of animals enjoying music, after finding a vintage turntable and musical instruments that fell off a delivery truck. The 1970s disco hit “Boogie Fever” will be playing on the record player.

Also, South Pas likes to keep it local, local.

For example, many of the flowers and dry materials were collected locally, including two types of bark (eucalyptus and melaleuca), plus sycamore leaves, liquid amber leaves and bougainvillea flowers. The idea is to get the community involved and to save some money.

Speaking of money, the group needs to raise $150,000 to pay for the float. So far, they are doing it the local way with yards sales, a golf tournament and selling sweets. “We have sold a lot of candy,” said Sally Kilby, a spokesperson for the group.

On Dec. 27, they’re having an online auction of 70 different items, including concert tickets, services and lessons, Kilby said. To participate go to: auctria.events/sptorcrunch. The city has spotted them with $12,000, according to Ed Donnelly, SPTOR president.

It’s crunch time and the volunteers are working up to three shifts a day in a tent erected in a parking lot. Last year, when it rained, the tent leaked. So far, no leaks this year but work done outside the tent has been delayed a bit, said Sharon Mitchell, whose been decorating for the past nine years and has enjoyed meeting other decorators, including volunteers from Spain and Greece.

“We do it to keep the longest tradition in the city going. It is for community pride,” said Janet Benjamin, a 15-year volunteer. “It shows how much we love South Pas.”

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- Simbang Gabi began in parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles on Friday, Dec. 15.
  
  Simbang Gabi is one of the oldest Filipino Christmas traditions, where the faithful gather for nine days of Masses, prayers to the Child Jesus, and festive gatherings — typically held in the early morning or evening.
  - Filipinos from across Los Angeles and surrounding cities gathered for the annual Simbang Gabi mass at Cathedral of Our Lady of Angeles in Los Angeles on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. The mass kicks off nine days of celebrations attended by Filipino Catholics. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)
  - Fillipino Catholics representing parishes from Los Angeles and surrounding cities, participate in the Parade of Parols before the start of the annual Simbang Gabi mass at Cathedral of Our Lady of Angeles in Los Angeles on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. The mass kicks off nine days of celebrations attended by Filipino Catholics. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)
  - Fillipino Catholics representing parishes from Los Angeles and surrounding cities, participate in the Parade of Parols before the start of the annual Simbang Gabi mass at Cathedral of Our Lady of Angeles in Los Angeles on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. The mass kicks off nine days of celebrations attended by Filipino Catholics. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)
  - Auxiliary Bishop for the San Fernando Valley, Albert Bahhuth, center, leads a prayer during the annual Simbang Gabi mass at Cathedral of Our Lady of Angeles in Los Angeles on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. The mass kicks off nine days of celebrations attended by Filipino Catholics. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)
  - Filipinos from across Los Angeles and surrounding cities gathered for the annual Simbang Gabi mass at Cathedral of Our Lady of Angeles in Los Angeles on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. The mass kicks off nine days of celebrations attended by Filipino Catholics. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)
  - Fillipino Catholics representing parishes from Los Angeles and surrounding cities, participate in the Parade of Parols before the start of the annual Simbang Gabi mass at Cathedral of Our Lady of Angeles in Los Angeles on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. The mass kicks off nine days of celebrations attended by Filipino Catholics. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)
  - Filipinos from across Los Angeles and surrounding cities gathered for the annual Simbang Gabi mass at Cathedral of Our Lady of Angeles in Los Angeles on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. The mass kicks off nine days of celebrations attended by Filipino Catholics. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)
  - Fillipino Catholics representing parishes from Los Angeles and surrounding cities, participate in the Parade of Parols before the start of the annual Simbang Gabi mass at Cathedral of Our Lady of Angeles in Los Angeles on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. The mass kicks off nine days of celebrations attended by Filipino Catholics. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)
  - Filipinos from across Los Angeles and surrounding cities gathered for the annual Simbang Gabi mass at Cathedral of Our Lady of Angeles in Los Angeles on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. The mass kicks off nine days of celebrations attended by Filipino Catholics. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)
  - Filipinos from across Los Angeles and surrounding cities gathered for the annual Simbang Gabi mass at Cathedral of Our Lady of Angeles in Los Angeles on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. The mass kicks off nine days of celebrations attended by Filipino Catholics. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)
  - Filipinos from across Los Angeles and surrounding cities gathered for the annual Simbang Gabi mass at Cathedral of Our Lady of Angeles in Los Angeles on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. The mass kicks off nine days of celebrations attended by Filipino Catholics. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)
  - Fillipino Catholics representing parishes from Los Angeles and surrounding cities, participate in the Parade of Parols before the start of the annual Simbang Gabi mass at Cathedral of Our Lady of Angeles in Los Angeles on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. The mass kicks off nine days of celebrations attended by Filipino Catholics. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)
  - Filipinos from across Los Angeles and surrounding cities gathered for the annual Simbang Gabi mass at Cathedral of Our Lady of Angeles in Los Angeles on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. The mass kicks off nine days of celebrations attended by Filipino Catholics. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)
  - Fillipino Catholics representing parishes from Los Angeles and surrounding cities, participate in the Parade of Parols before the start of the annual Simbang Gabi mass at Cathedral of Our Lady of Angeles in Los Angeles on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. The mass kicks off nine days of celebrations attended by Filipino Catholics. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)
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  Auxiliary Bishop Albert M. Bahhuth, Episcopal Vicar for the San Fernando pastoral region, celebrated Friday night’s Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown L.A. Thousands attended the Mass which included choral music and the Parade of Parols, brought to the Cathedral from over 120 participating parishes and Filipino American community organizations around the Archdiocese.
  
  The parols — a long-held tradition of colorful Christmas lanterns — were blessed at the end of the Mass. Organizers said they are used to light up people’s homes, carried by parishioners attending Simbang Gabi, or “Mass before dawn.”
  
  This year’s Simbang Gabi theme in the Archdiocese is “Jesus, the Greatest Gift of All, Truly Present in the Eucharist!”
  
  The first of nine days of special Masses and events were held at Catholic churches throughout L.A. County, including at Holy Family Church in South Pasadena and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Downey.
  
  For a full schedule of Simbang Gabi Masses in the L.A. Archdiocese, visit angelusnews.com/local/la-catholics/simbang-gabi-2023.
  Related links
  - LA Metro launched the renaming in August after board members said the name West Santa Ana Branch was misleading and may have caused state and federal agencies to skip funding for the project. Building the light rail line will cost close to $9 billion. Metro has set aside about $4 billion.
    
    It is planned to run through the cities of Artesia, Cerritos, Bellflower, Paramount, Downey, South Gate, Cudahy, Bell, Huntington Park, Vernon, unincorporated Florence-Graham and eventually, to Union Station. The route roughly flows between the 110 and 5 freeways.
    
    The name stems from an historic L.A. County right-of-way from the defunct Pacific Electric system that once reached the city of Santa Ana in Orange County. Many have criticized the name used for the last 10 years, including Los Angeles Mayor and Metro Board Chair Karen Bass who said it is confusing and sounds like an Orange County project.
    
    Metro received 1,200 new name ideas for the project from 1,000 members of the public, including entrees from France and Ireland, said Mark Dierking, of Metro community relations. He said the new name may help Metro present a clearer case for federal funding.
    
    “Folks felt when we go for federal funding it wasn’t catching people’s attention; they thought they were giving money to Orange County or to Santa Ana,” Dierking said.
    
    A panel of judges whittled the entries down to 12 finalists and a website for voting on the names went live on Wednesday. Votes can be cast at RenameWSAB.com or by calling the project helpline at 213-922-6262. All votes must be in by Dec. 17.
    
    “This rail line is going to make a huge difference in the lives of residents from Artesia all the way to Huntington Park, but few people know about it because the name is so terrible,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn in a prepared statement. “So, we’re picking a new name that people can get behind and connect with.”
    
    Hahn was a co-author of the motion to launch the renaming, along with Whittier City Councilman and Metro board member Fernando Dutra. Hahn, whose district runs through the region, has repeatedly called for a change in the name.
    
    A new Metro line is coming to Southeast LA and the Gateway Cities, and I need your help picking a new name. We’ve narrowed the list down to 12 finalists, and your vote will help us pick a winner—and it could also win you a $100 gift card. Visit https://t.co/op0FsT9IwK. pic.twitter.com/VbSv0JF1CF
    
    — Janice Hahn (@SupJaniceHahn) November 15, 2023
    
    The “Name That Train” effort lets people vote for their top three choices out of the 12 nominees. The top vote-getter will become the name of the project. The contest allowed any naming idea, as long as it didn’t include “Santa Ana.”
    
    Some of the 12 entries conjure up historic references, such as “Calafia,” referring to the mythical queen of this state. “Tongva” refers to the “People of the Earth,” the Indigenous residents of the Los Angeles Basin. “Esperanza,” Spanish for hope, is saying the line offers hope for an improved way of life for 1.4 million people in the corridor, where 44% live below the poverty line.
    
    Six of the entrees are geographical. “Gateway Cities” and “Los Angeles Gateway” are names that denote the rail connection between these southeast L.A. County cities and Los Angeles; “Pioneer” refers to the southern terminus of Pioneer Boulevard; “Southeast” and “Southeast Gateway” point to the area of southeast L.A. and southeast L.A. County; “The Heartland Connection” seems to say the train will connect to the heart of the LA Metro system.
    
    Other names are “Portico,” meaning a door or new gateway; “Ruta Segura,” Spanish for safe route; and “Los Rios,” a Spanish reference to the light rail line crossing major rivers including the San Gabriel and Los Angeles rivers and the Rio Hondo, a tributary to the L.A. River.
    
    Results of the vote will be announced in January. Construction is slated to start in 2025 and the line opening is scheduled for 2035. Once operational, it will get a letter name, following the other Metro rail and fixed-bus route lines: A, B, C, D, E, K, G and J. For more information, go to metro.net/wsab.
    
    Related links
    
    LA Metro asks the public to re-name its West Santa Ana Branch train project
    
    Did bad marketing and its odd name stop a Metro rail line from getting funds?
    
    LA Metro board OKs new light-rail line from Artesia to Union Station
    
    Is 10 Freeway closure an opportunity to boost mass transit ridership?
    
    Angelenos, LA visitors hop on public transit after 10 Freeway closure, but many still opting for cars

Veterans Day events in the Los Angeles County area, Nov. 10-12

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 12:32:15 +0000

The 20th annual San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade kicks off at 11:11 a.m. Nov. 11. In the file photo: Veterans ride in the 19th annual San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade along Laurel Canyon Boulevard on Friday, November 11, 2022. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Veterans Day was originally known as Armistice Day and commemorated the end of fighting in 1918 on the Western Front in Europe between the Allies and Germany.

The Armistice of Compiègne was signed earlier in the morning but many people remember from a history lesson that “at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month” the armistice went into effect and more or less ended World War I.

Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all veterans for their service.

While Veterans Day honors all who have served in the military, Memorial Day in May is the time to remember those who died during military service.

Since this year Veterans Day falls on a Saturday, some celebrations are held on Nov. 10, the federal holiday observed.

Here is a sampling of Veterans Day events Friday through Sunday in Los Angeles County. The list is by time on each day.

Nov. 10

Veterans Day celebration in Carson: With keynote speaker Cmdr. Virginia R. Kingston, patriotic music and a veterans museum display, 10 a.m.-noon. Veterans Park, 22400 Moneta Ave. 310-830-9997. Flyer: tinyurl.com/5b2tn9cv

Veterans Day at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library: The event honoring veterans includes musical entertainment, a Civil War encampment, a display of military vehicles and a Veterans Day program, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The program, at 11 a.m., includes an honor guard, live music and remarks by keynote speaker Lt. Col. Scott Mann. The retired United States Army Green Beret signs his book “Operation Pineapple Express” at noon. Free for the program and outdoor events; admission charge for museum exhibits. Register for program seats and to reserve a book ($28.99 plus tax) here: tinyurl.com/munxp48e. Location, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley. Event details: tinyurl.com/4dbnzbku

Veterans Day celebration in Burbank: A welcome reception with a concert by the Burbank Community Band, 10:15 a.m., followed by a ceremony honoring all veterans, 11 a.m. A flyover by the Condor Squadron has been scheduled. McCambridge Park, War Memorial, corner of Amherst Drive and San Fernando Road. 818-238-5378. Details on the event flyer: tinyurl.com/46zhuka2

Nov. 11

Veterans Day celebration in La Crescenta: American Legion Post 288 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1614 host the event that honors all veterans and active duty military, 8 a.m. The program includes a Presentation of Colors by the Crescenta Valley High School Air Force JROTC, an armed forces medley performed by the Legion Color Guard and an American flag retirement ceremony by Boy Scout Troop 288. Two Strike Park, 5107 Rosemont Ave. Dick Chubb, 818-384-5761.

Veterans Day Ceremony – Palmdale: This year’s event theme, “Thanking Veterans for Helping Fellow Veterans,” is the focus of recognition of individuals and organizations by local dignitaries and elected officials, 9 a.m. Veterans in attendance will receive a commemorative lapel pin (while supplies last). The program is presented by the City of Palmdale and AV Boots on the Ground Alliance. Poncitlán Square, 38315 Ninth St. E. AV Boots on the Ground Alliance, 661-627-7825. avboga.org/about-us/. City of Palmdale website: tinyurl.com/59p2kudr. www.cityofpalmdaleca.gov/2023veteransday

Cerritos: The celebration begins with music by the Cerritos College Community Band, 9:45 a.m., followed by a ceremony that includes speakers, a wreath laying and a moment of silence, and craft activities for children, 10 a.m. Cerritos Civic Center, near the Veterans Memorial, 18125 Bloomfield Ave. 562-865-8101. Flyer: tinyurl.com/3cvd2szp

Alhambra: The City of Alhambra and American Legion Post 139 present a continental breakfast and musical entertainment, 10 a.m., followed by a program at 11 a.m. Alhambra Park Veterans Memorial, 500 N. Palm Ave. Flyer: tinyurl.com/2c2rxhas

A Tribute to Veterans – Downey: American Legion Post 270, Boy Scout Troop 441, Cub Scout Pack 805 and Girl Scout Troop 5605 salute veterans at the celebration, 10 a.m. Refreshments will be served following the program. Columbia Memorial Space Center, 12400 Columbia Way. 562-904-7238. Flyer: tinyurl.com/mppyhtsc

Pasadena: The city’s salute to veterans begins at 10 a.m. (seating) and includes a keynote speech by Capt. Jessica O’Brien, commanding officer at Naval Weapons Station in Seal Beach, a color guard from Blair Army JROTC, a performance by the Pasadena Scots, live music from Blair High School and a Condor Squadron flyover, 10:30 a.m. Pasadena City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Ave., Pasadena. cityofpasadena.net. Details: tinyurl.com/3d8dh8uc

Whittier: The celebration includes guest speakers, information on resources for veterans and music from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Band, 10 a.m.-noon. Bring your own low-back lawn chairs and a picnic. Central Park, 6532 Friends Ave., Whittier. 562-567-9470. Details here: tinyurl.com/b9t6asj9

Veterans Day Wreath Laying – Hermosa Beach: The city holds the event, 10:30 a.m. The ceremony is followed by a small reception in the Community Theatre. East Lawn of the Community Center, 710 Pier Ave. 310-318-0280. Flyer: tinyurl.com/bdf2kjay

Veterans Day at Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills: The 64th annual celebration honors United States military veterans with a ceremony that includes a flyover by the Condor Squadron; invocation and benediction by the Rev. Msgr. Frank Hicks from St. Basil Roman Catholic Church in Los Angeles; patriotic music by the Los Angeles Police Concert Band and the Tonality Choir; a reading of the Veterans Day presidential proclamation by Los Angeles Police Department Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton; an honor guard gun salute by the Los Angeles Police Department, 11 a.m. The keynote speech is by Dr. David Smith, United States Air Force. Emcee for the program is Michael Ellington, a 35-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department. Free admission. Location, outside of the Hall of Liberty, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles. 855-800-5296. www.facebook.com/forestlawn. forestlawn.com/events/veterans-day/

Veterans Memorial Park – Granada Hills: The opening of a time capsule that was buried in 1972 by members of the Granada Hill-Billies 4-H Club, 11 a.m. Nov. 11. The time capsule was placed at a pocket park memorial, designed and built by the 4-H Club members, to honor Granada Hills residents who had served in the armed forces during the Vietnam War and who died there. The capsule will be unearthed, opened and the contents cataloged. A new time capsule will be buried at the conclusion of the event. Location, corner of Chatsworth Street and Zelzah Avenue. Flyer: tinyurl.com/3y8897ss

Malibu Veterans Day – Legacy of Generations in Service: The city celebrates veterans and currently serving military at its 24th annual event, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Veterans and currently serving military are asked to arrive at 10:30 a.m. to be greeted and escorted to VIP seats by the Pepperdine Ambassadors Council. The program includes a color guard, speeches by veterans, dance and musical performances, poetry and a visit from mini therapy horses. Lunch will be served. Students from Malibu schools, ROTC and Sea Cadets participate in the event. The celebration is hosted by International Protective Service, the City of Malibu, Malibu Navy League, Malibu Association of Realtors, Malibu Times and Pepperdine University. Malibu City Hall, Civic Theater, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road. Ani Dermenjian, 310-738-0499. Details and flyer: tinyurl.com/ywn9sdj4

Long Beach Veterans Day Celebration 2023: The event includes local dignitaries and elected officials welcoming veterans, 11 a.m.; resources information for veterans and community, music by Satin Dollz and Knyght Ryder, a children’s fun zone and food trucks, through 4 p.m. Master of ceremonies is DJ Mr. Quick, who also spins sets throughout the day. Flyovers are scheduled at 12:45, 2, 2:25, 3 and 3:55 p.m. Houghton Park, 6301 Myrtle Ave. Details and flyer: longbeach.gov/pages/city-news/veterans-day/

Manhattan Beach: The 26th annual Veterans Day Ceremony, 11 a.m. at Veterans Parkway, Ardmore Avenue and Valley Drive. 310-802-5448. Details: tinyurl.com/yj6e4tau

Veterans Day Ceremony in Newhall: The City of Santa Clarita co-hosts the event that honors veterans and includes Veterans Day remarks by local veterans and patriotic music, 11 a.m. The ceremony is a collaboration of Santa Clarita; American Legion, Post 507; American Legion Auxiliary; American Legion Riders; Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America; Blue Star Mothers of America, Santa Clarita Chapter #46; College of the Canyons Veterans Program; Disabled American Veterans; Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary; Knights of Columbus, Santa Clarita Assembly 2421; Prayer Angels for the Military; Santa Clarita Valley Veterans Memorial, Inc.; Santa Clarita Valley Veteran Services Collaborative; U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary; V.F.W. Post 6885; Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 355, and Young Marines. Master of Ceremonies Jan Daley sings the National Anthem. Korean War veteran Richard Myers is the keynote speaker. Jerry Rhodes gives a special reading for prisoners of war and those who are missing in action. Cantor Michael Freed and the Rev. Stephen Meadors also give speeches. Veterans Historical Plaza, 24275 Walnut St. 661-250-3787. Details: tinyurl.com/5n6hb6tw. santaclaritaveterans.com/

Veterans Day Ceremony at Rancho Tapo Community Park and Veterans Plaza: A salute to veterans with the theme “Looking to the Future,” 11 a.m. Location, 3700 Avenida Simi, Simi Valley. 805-526-6453. Details from Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District: bit.ly/3UDuZ4O

South El Monte: The annual Veterans Day Ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. Refreshments are served after the program. South El Monte City Hall, front lawn, 1415 Santa Anita Ave. 626-579-2043. Flyer: tinyurl.com/57cunp7p

City of West Hollywood 2023 Veterans Day Ceremony: The event honoring veterans and active military includes the Pledge of Allegiance, playing Taps, a moment of silence for those who died in service to the country, and members from the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles singing the National Anthem, 11 a.m. Sal Guarriello Veterans’ Memorial, corner of Holloway Drive and Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood. 323-848-6534. Details: tinyurl.com/mxs3pk4w

San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade: The parade begins at 11:11 a.m. Grand marshal: State Sen. Caroline Menjivar (20th District). Retired Sgt. Menjivar served in the United States Marine Corps. Route: Laurel Canyon and San Fernando Mission boulevards (in Mission Hills), south on Laurel Canyon to Paxton Street in Pacoima. Contact Fred Flores for questions on parade entry application: 818-645-5699 or by email: fred.flores29@gmail.com. www.sfvveteransdayparade.com

Veterans Day Ceremony — San Fernando: Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3834 hold the celebration with entertainment and lunch, noon-3 p.m. Location, 111 N. Hagar St., San Fernando. 818-898-7340. Flyer: tinyurl.com/2p9br8xp

Veterans Day Tribute – Redondo Beach: The Veterans Memorial Task Force, the Redondo Beach Elks Lodge 1378 and the city of Redondo Beach present the event, 1 p.m.; followed by a barbecue picnic sponsored by the Redondo Beach Elks (free for veterans, active military, police and firefighters; $5 for others). Veterans Memorial in Veterans Park, 309 Esplanade. www.facebook.com/RBVeteransMemorial. Details and the flyer: www.rbveteransmemorial.com/

San Dimas H.E.R.O.E.S. (Helping Establish a Remembrance of Every Serviceperson): The organization holds its 10th annual Veterans Day observance, 4 p.m. The event honors San Dimas veterans, and more names will be added to the Veterans Wall. Freedom Park, on the corner of San Dimas Avenue and Commercial Street in San Dimas. 909-677-9557. Email: SanDimasHEROES@aol.com. sandimasheroes.org

Nov. 12

Visit with a Veteran – Torrance Historical Society: The group invites the public to come and say hello to veterans from foreign wars and peacetime service, 2-4 p.m. Torrance Historical Society and Museum, 1345 Post Ave. (at Cravens Avenue). 310-328-5392. Details: tinyurl.com/2d22kdjx

Pancakes 4 Purpose Block Party: The Breakfast Bar and the Beadel Family Foundation host the event in honor of Veterans Day that includes a dedication to honor veterans, a silent auction, games, food and drink from the Breakfast Bar, 5-9 p.m. Also, an after-party with dancing, karaoke and live music, 9-11:30 p.m. The event is a benefit for Kind Acts Factory, a non-profit that connects veterans with community leaders and civic improvement (www.facebook.com/TheKindActsFactory; Instagram: tinyurl.com/de5e5m4z). Tickets $20. The Breakfast Bar, 3404 E. Fourth St., Long Beach. www.the-breakfast-bar.com/bff.html. See the auction items and purchase tickets: cakes4vets.givesmart.com

How to Connect/Help a Veteran

Disabled American Veterans: www.dav.org

Gary Sinise Foundation: www.garysinisefoundation.org/mission

Wings Over Wendy’s: Veterans from all services and ages, and their supporters, meet from 8:30-11 a.m. every Monday of the month. Location, 7401 Shoup Ave., West Hills. Contact Ed Reynolds, 818-884-4013. www.wingsoverwendys.com

Wounded Warrior Project: www.woundedwarriorproject.org

After 2 escapes from Downey juvenile hall, supervisors order security report

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 11:04:19 +0000

LOS ANGELES — Following the second escape of a youth from Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey since the facility reopened in July, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors directed probation officials Wednesday to provide a report in two weeks on corrective actions and increased security measures being implemented at the facility.

“It is unacceptable that two young people have managed to escape from Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in the last four months,” Supervisors board Chair Janice Hahn said in a statement after introducing the emergency motion Tuesday. “Luckily, they were both apprehended almost immediately after their escape, but this cannot happen again.”

The motion calls for the report by probation officials in two weeks to include “des

criptions of additional security measures and policies being implemented by the Probation Department to prevent any future escape from the facility.”

It also directs the county’s chief probation officer to meet with Downey and South Gate officials to brief them on additional security measures. It also calls on the Office of the Inspector General to investigate the most recent escape, which occurred Saturday when a youth detainee allegedly assaulted a staff member, managed to obtain a set of keys then climbed over a fence.

That youth was detained within about 10 minutes, according to Hahn’s office and probation officials.

Another youth escaped briefly from the facility about two weeks after it reopened in July.

Los Padrinos was renovated and reopened to replace Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Sylmar and Central Juvenile Hall in Lincoln Heights, both of which came under fire by state regulators for conditions that rendered them unfit to house pre-trial youth detainees.

Two-Alarm Fire Tears Through Sports Bar In Downey

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 15:20:20 +0000

DOWNEY (CBSLA) – A large commercial blaze ripped through a sports bar in Downey for several hours Thursday morning.

March 17, 2022. (CBSLA)

The two-alarm blaze broke out before 5:45 a.m. at the 20/20 Draft House, located in the 8220 block of Firestone Boulevard.

Sky2 was over the scene as crews battled huge flames. Several firefighters were standing on the rooftop dousing the flames with hose lines. As of 8 a.m., firefighters were still on scene putting out hotspots and monitoring for flare-ups.

The 20/20 Draft house is located in a busy commercial area with several neighboring stores and eateries, along with a gym. Downey High School is located a few blocks away. Officials did not confirm how many businesses may have suffered damage.

The circumstances of the fire were still unclear. Downey Fire Capt. Josh Halvmaier told CBSLA there were no injuries, although one firefighter was evaluated at the scene for fatigue. Crews from Los Angeles County, Compton and Santa Fe Springs fire departments all assisted.

“Some of the things that the firefighters are considering shutting off, the utilities, the gas, the water, the electrical, and isolated to that building,” retired L.A. Fire Department Capt. Rick Godinez told CBSLA by phone. “Well, during the course of the firefight they also have to check for extension of this fire. They’re trying to contain it to the one business, but if it does expand to neighboring businesses, then of course those will be affected with possible fire and smoke damage, along with shutting down the utilities.”

There was no word on a possible cause.

Pandemic Hobby Leads To Successful Sneaker Business For Downey Couple

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 15:30:02 +0000

A Downey couple used their downtime during the pandemic to start a successful sneaker business that now calls some of the biggest stars in Hollywood and sports among their clients.

Students Mourn Warren High School Football Player Killed In 5 Freeway Crash

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 00:00:10 +0000

DOWNEY (CBSLA) — Students at Warren High School in Downey are in mourning Monday after a devastating weekend crash killed a football player, and injured two of his teammates.

(credit: CBS)

A group of students stopped to light a candle in front of a sign that said, “Rest Easy Angel” over an apparent nickname for Jaylon Connish, who was identified by authorities as the teen killed in the Saturday night crash off the 5 Freeway.

The California Highway Patrol said officers found a 2010 Nissan Altima overturned off the southbound 5 Freeway, north of the 605 Freeway. A preliminary investigation determined the Nissan veered to the right at about 10:50 p.m. and hit a raised asphalt curb, sending it off the roadway and into a metal light pole. The Nissan continued down a dirt embankment and rolled several times.

The driver, identified by the CHP as Dajon Hancox, was taken to St. Francis Medical Center, along with his two passengers. Jaylon died at the hospital. According to reports, the third passenger, Juan Wilson, remains in critical condition.

Students at the school said Jaylon was known for his big smile and abundance of energy. Ricardo Hernandez, 16, said he was shook when he woke up to find out about the tragedy via message posted on social media.

“Very surprising. I was in shock,” he said.

Zakary Santos Baraza Martinez, who played football with Jaylon, said they were close friends when he started playing football at Warren High School.

“He was one of the most hard-working people I met, in the weight room, on the field, in the class,” Zakary said. “He used to also have a smile, no matter what the day was.”

The Downey Unified School District says they have mental health staff on hand at Warren High School to support grieving students and staff.

High School Student Killed, 2 Injured After Car Runs Off 5 Freeway In Downey

Sun, 06 Mar 2022 23:28:09 +0000

DOWNEY (CBSLA) — One local high school student has died from injuries sustained from a crash after the car the person was riding in went approximately 200 yards down an embankment from the 5 Freeway in Downey.

The Downey Unified School District confirmed to CBSLA that the teen who died was a student at Warren High School. He was identified by the CHP as 17-year-old Jaylon Connish of Carson.

Two other passengers, reportedly also Warren High School football players, were injured in the crash, according to authorities. Their condition is unknown at this moment.

Downey Unified officials say they plan to provide mental health support to students and staff who are grieving when school resumes Monday morning.

“Our Downey Unified family is heartbroken that we have lost one of our Warren High School students, a young man with a bright future ahead of hime who has been such a big part of our Downey Unified family,” a statement from the district said. “Our prayers are with our two students who are currently fighting and, as a Downey Unified family, we will rally around them to support them during this extremely challenging time.”

The crash happened at around 10:50 p.m. on Saturday night. The gray Nissan Altima was traveling along the southbound 5 freeway, near the southbound 605 freeway, according to the California Highway Patrol. Only the driver, a 17-year-old from Compton, was wearing a seatbelt, according to the CHP.

When paramedics arrived on scene, they rushed three people to a nearby trauma center where one of the passengers succumbed to their injuries in the single-vehicle crash, according to the Downey Fire Department.

Originally, when firefighters arrived to the crash site they reported two people had been ejected from the car and another was trapped inside the wreckage.

Only On CBSLA: Driver Fleeing Sideshow In Downey Arrested

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 18:26:11 +0000

DOWNEY (CBSLA) — At least one driver who was caught by police taking part in a sideshow in Downey has been arrested following a short pursuit.

(credit: CBS)

Sky 2 was over Firestone Boulevard and Old River School Road, where several vehicles were caught taking over the intersection and doing donuts Thursday night. When police arrived, one of the drivers apparently panicked and sped off.

A police helicopter followed the driver, who was going more than 100 MPH and was seen fishtailing and nearly losing control while trying to get off the 710 Freeway. The driver and two passengers were eventually taken into custody.

Sideshows have been a growing problem in recent years because they stop traffic, draw huge crowds of people who are unprotected from the speeding cars, and have occasionally ended with fatal crashes.

Massive Fire Bursts Out At Historic ‘Poor Farm’ In Downey

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 02:41:48 +0000

DOWNEY (CBSLA) — The Downey Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Fire Department are attempting to battle a massive fire at the historic “Poor Farm” in Downey.

This is currently a third alarm fire off the 12800 block of Erickson Avenue. It is unclear at this time what started the fire. The fire spread to a nearby abandoned building.

The Poor Farm, also known as Rancho Los Amigos, was abandoned in the 1980s. It was built in the late 1800s for people who came to California and struggled after failing to strike the rumored gold. It reached its peak during the Great Depression.

(Credit: CBS)

Authorities Apprehend Pursuit Suspect Wanted For Throwing Fireworks Out Of Vehicle

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 04:15:18 +0000

IRVINE (CBSLA) — Irvine Police Department officers began pursuit of a suspect Thursday evening in Irvine.

CHP’s successful PIT maneuver. (Source: CBS)

The pursuit began in Irvine, when the suspect reportedly committed a traffic violation, but California Highway Patrol officials took over control of the pursuit shortly after the chase began.

Per a report from Irvine Police, the suspect was shooting fireworks at pedestrians, and when officers arrived they found him sitting in his “blacked-out” vehicle. When they attempted to stop him, he fled.

Just after 8:15 p.m., authorities attempted a PIT maneuver on the vehicle, and despite ripping off the vehicle’s bumper and causing it to turn 180-degrees, the driver was able to avoid the several law enforcement vehicles in the immediate area.

A second PIT maneuver at 8:18 p.m. proved successful, as two CHP vehicles pinned the vehicle against a sidewalk on Naranja Avenue and Jefferson Street in Downey.

The suspect immediately exited the vehicle and fled on foot, but authorities were able to promptly apprehend him outside of a residence in the area that the suspect was trying to enter.

As authorities attempted to place the handcuffed suspect into the backseat of their vehicle, he could be seen struggling and resisting their efforts.

Emergency Room At Kaiser’s Downey Medical Center Temporarily Turns Away Ambulance Patients, Other Facilities May Also Go On Diversion

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 13:39:59 +0000

DOWNEY (CBSLA) — Kaiser Permanente says its Downey emergency room is going on diversion because it has been overwhelmed with COVID-19 and flu patients.

Many emergency rooms are at capacity due to the latest surge of both flu and COVID-19 patients in Los Angeles County, which reported its highest number of new cases since the pandemic started – 37,215 new cases on Thursday. This latest wave of infections appears to be driven by the Omicron variant, which experts say is highly contagious even for people who have been fully vaccinated and boosted.

Kaiser this week put its Downey Medical Center on diversion, which means the facility will not accept new emergency room patients transported by ambulance, who must be taken to get care at other hospitals. Patients may still walk-in and get care at the facility’s emergency room.

“Diversion is commonly used to deal with overloaded hospitals and ensures that ambulances will efficiently get patients to facilities for care,” a statement from Kaiser Permanente said. “Diversion is only done when it is absolutely necessary whether it is done for just a few hours or a full day.”

During the last winter surge, so many hospitals in Orange County went on diversion that county public health officials suspended the practice, forcing hospitals to accept patients, which led to long lines of ambulances outside emergency room bays.

Kaiser says they “are employing this tactic judiciously” at the Downey Medical Center, but it could also be instituted at other facilities.

Demand For COVID Testing Spikes Along With New Cases

Sun, 26 Dec 2021 02:42:25 +0000

BRENTWOOD (CBSLA) – In a three day span this week, Los Angeles County saw a 300% rise in new COVID cases, a trend that’s created a massive demand for testing.

Dec. 25, 2021 (CBSLA)

A long lines of people waited for COVID-19 testing at Kaiser Permanente Anaheim on Christmas day got some bad news.

“They tell you that they’re closed for the day, come back at six in the morning,” Irvine resident John Delgado said.

The drive-thru clinic was scheduled to run until 1 p.m., but many patients along East La Palma Avenue were turned away before that, which upset them. They’d spent a long time waiting in their cars.

One woman who was being turned away said she’d been waiting in line for two hours, while another woman, Carmela Cicneros, an Anaheim resident, said she’d been waiting to get in before one o’clock because she has to get tested for an upcoming procedure.

“…that they’re closing…because it closes at one, which we understand, but I have a procedure that needs to be done, COVID testing, before my procedure. And now they’re telling us that they’re not doing it no more,” Cicneros said.

Tony Bauer had waited around two hours for the chance to pull into the parking lot for his test, but was told by a guard he’d have to come back later, which he said has put a damper on his Christmas.

“Like the Grinch just walked over and talked to me. It’s going to be one of those days,” Bauer said.

At the Kaiser facility in Downey, there was more demand for testing. The site was open for four and a half hours. A spokesperson acknowledged that people may have been turned away after waiting, but they needed to keep the employees in mind who were working on a holiday.

Meanwhile, in Santa Ana, a private organization operated a drive-thru clinic at Main Place Mall. Cars snaked through the parking lot and down Main Street. Some people said they came because they weren’t feeling well. Others wanted to be sure they weren’t going to spread anything, as they gathered with family and friends.

“Extremely lucky. We looked at areas, testing sites all around us. Every single one is booked until Monday, Tuesday. This is the only one that had a spot available today,” said a woman waiting in her car for a test at the clinic.

Thousands of tests have been done on site this Christmas at a Sepulveda Pass location in LA County. It’s right across the street from the Getty Center and business was brisk.

“This is, even though I’m Jewish, this is the very best Christmas present I could ever have in my life and I will always remember it,” said Westwood resident Carole Cohen.

The operators of 911 COVID Testing said there’s been a marked difference in test results compared to a few weeks ago.

A worker at 911 COVID Testing’s drive-thru clinic in the Sepulveda Pass walks tests to the mobile facility. Dec. 25, 2021 (CBSLA)

“Unfortunately, we’ve also seen an increase with our positivity rate,” 911 COVID Testing Chief Operating Officer Steve Farzam said. “We’re at just over 12% positivity rate, which is really concerning, and what’s even more concerning is nearly half of the people who are testing positive have no symptoms.”

The chief operator added that three weeks ago, the positivity rate was under 2%.

The Sepulveda Pass testing site, across from the Getty Center, was testing people until 10 p.m. on Christmas.

3 Teens Arrested In Armed Robbery Spree Across LA County

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 19:30:45 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – Three teen boys have been taken into custody in connection with a slew of armed robberies at gas stations and convenience stores that occurred earlier this week across Los Angeles County.

The robberies occurred in Norwalk, Bellflower, Pico Rivera, Whittier, Downey and the city of Industry, according to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department.

The robberies occurred between Sunday and Tuesday, the sheriff’s department said.

On Tuesday, sheriff’s detectives were able to identify the robbery suspects’ car and license plate. That same day, a deputy in Bellflower spotted the vehicle, which was carrying the three suspects, and pulled it over.

The three teens were positively identified as the armed robbers by several witnesses and victims, the sheriff’s department said.

In the car, deputies also found $1,000 in cash and evidence from the robberies, the sheriff’s department said. However, a handgun that was used in the robberies remains missing.

Exclusive: New Video Shows Heidi Planck In Downtown LA Less Than An Hour After She Was Last Seen

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 07:03:27 +0000

IRVINE (CBSLA) – New video has emerged of 39-year-old Heidi Planck, which shows her in downtown Los Angeles less than an hour after leaving her son’s football game in Downey, on Oct. 17, the day she was last seen.

The never before seen security tape of Planck in downtown LA shows her walking her dog in an alleyway behind the Hope and Flower Building where just hours later, her dog was found wandering around the 28th floor alone.

“Her dog didn’t get downtown on her own. So, this video has just kind of given us confirmation that hovering around that area these last three weeks has been the right place to be. Now we know for a fact that she was down there. That’s the first real evidence we have of that,” said one of Planck’s friends.

Until CBSLA obtained this video from a resident in downtown LA, police listed the 39-year-old mom as missing out of Downey.

She was seen leaving her home in Palm on that Sunday afternoon on the way to her son’s game. She left that game at halftime with her dog and was never seen again.

Her friends are now hopeful this new lead placing Planck downtown could bring a break in the case.

“Encourage somebody to come forward and tell us more about what she might have been doing in that area,” said friend Danielle Nadolny. “With the short span of time between the video and the dog being found, it just seems like that may have been the last place somebody’s seen her.”

However, friends still have questions.

“It strikes me that she doesn’t have her purse. If you look closely, she has a mask in her right hand, the dog is walking with her, he’s wagging his tail. So, I think that the mask definitely suggests that she’s going into a building or an intent to go into a building of some sort,” friend Natalie John said.

“If she was heading back to that building, how did she get back in. If it’s such a secure building and she had nothing on her, how did she get back in,” another friend said.

While Planck’s friends fear the worst, they’re not giving up hope. They said they plan to continue canvassing the downtown LA area with pictures of their missing friend

Information Continues To Mount In Heidi Planck Missing Person Case

Sat, 06 Nov 2021 05:42:29 +0000

IRVINE (CBSLA) – New information has continued to come to light over recent days in the Heidi Planck missing person case.

On October 29, officers entered her home with a warrant and guns drawn, expecting to find a crime scene.

On Wednesday, detectives seized security video footage from the apartment complex building where Planck’s dog was found wandering alone on the 28th floor. The complex had previously been noncooperative when it came to the investigation, refusing to turn over any security footage without a warrant.

On Thursday, investigators revealed that they had found new video of Planck’s boss, Jason Sugarman, at her home just two days before her disappearance. Sugarman and his business, Camden Capital Partners, are currently being investigated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Planck acts as Financial Controller for the company. The company is alleged to have stolen $43 million from unwitting pension funds.

Today, there are reports of new video that show Planck at the apartment complex just hours before her dog was found.

There are other reports that Planck’s ex-husband, Jim Wayne, the father of her son, was awarded sole custody of the boy in court on Friday, following his court request just days after Planck was last seen. They previously had shared custody of their son.

He cites Planck’s disappearance as his reasoning in requesting sole custody: “I urgently need these orders to put my son into therapy immediately, because he is completely distraught at his mother’s disappearance.”

Even more information indicates that Wayne allegedly took Planck’s work laptop and her personal phone on October 20, keeping them for more than a week before turning them over to authorities.

As recently as a few weeks ago, Wayne shared his opinion that her disappearance may be related to the investigation into her workplace.

Wayne declined to comment when CBSLA reporters reached out to him on Friday.

Authorities have yet to name a person of interest in the case.

Come Sunday, November 7, Planck will have been missing for three weeks. Friends plan to hold a prayer vigil for her on Sunday at the apartment complex.

Those same friends and family have been working endlessly to find Heidi, posting signs all over Los Angeles.

Planck, 39, has been missing since she was last seen at her son’s football game on October 17. Her dog was found hours later on the 28th floor of an apartment complex in Downtown Los Angeles with no indication as to why it was there, and Planck nowhere to be seen.

When she was last seen, Planck was wearing jeans and a gray sweater, driving her 2017 gray Range Rover with a black-and-yellow California license plate of ‘U840X0.’ She is white, 5-feet-3 inches tall and weighs about 120 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes.

If you have seen or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Planck, Heidi please contact the Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit at 213-996-1800.

During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to http://www.lacrimestoppers.org.

Investigators Continuing Their Search For Heidi Planck Find More Video

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 06:09:33 +0000

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – Heidi Planck, 39-year old mother has now been missing for nearly three weeks.

Investigators found more video on Thursday that could hold valuable information to her case.

The video shows Planck’s boss, Jason Sugarman, ringing her doorbell before leaving a box of muffins on her doorstep.

Sugarman, though not indicated by law enforcement officials as a person of interest in the case, has raised the suspicions of many of Planck’s friends.

Sugarman and many within his company, Camden Capital Partners, are currently being investigated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The investigation is looking into an alleged $43 million stolen from unwitting pension funds by the company.

Planck’s ex-husband has issued his opinion that her disappearance may be related to the investigation, as she is the company’s Financial Controller.

Friends and family continue their search for Heidi, posting fliers in new locations on a day-to-day basis.

They hoped on Thursday that they would find her, more than most other days. With good reason – it was her son’s 11th birthday.

Planck has been missing since she was last seen at her son’s football game on October 17. Her dog was found hours later on the 28th floor of an apartment complex in Downtown Los Angeles with no indication as to why it was there, and Planck nowhere to be seen.

Investigators were also able to finally seize video footage from the apartment complex after weeks of lack of cooperation on their part, refusing to turn over the video without a warrant.

Since then, detectives, investigators, SWAT teams and other law enforcement forces have continued their search for the missing woman. On October 29, officers entered her home with a warrant and guns drawn, expecting to find a crime scene.

Hundreds of attempts to contact her have been futile, even those from her son.

Friends plan to hold a prayer vigil for Planck on Sunday, November 6 at the apartment complex.

If you have seen or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Planck, Heidi please contact the Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit at 213-996-1800.

During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to http://www.lacrimestoppers.org.

Friends Of Missing Woman Heidi Planck Searching For New Clues

Sun, 31 Oct 2021 02:17:06 +0000

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – It’s been almost two weeks since Heidi Planck disappeared.

Friends of Planck posted flyers in Downtown LA around the corner of 12th and Hope Street on Saturday after Planck’s dog was found wandering through the halls on the 28th floor of an apartment building nearby.

Los Angeles Police Department Detectives have not said if Planck is connected to the complex.

On Friday, federal investigators and LAPD detectives served warrants to search her home in the Palms area but they haven’t revealed if anything was found.

Planck, a 39-year-old woman with a 10-year-old son, was last seen by her family at the 7800 block of Gardendale Street in Downey on Oct. 17, according to an LAPD statement.

Jim Wayne, Planck’s ex-husband, said that she left their son’s football game at halftime on the day she was last seen. She seemed a little distracted, according to Wayne.

“If you have seen anything, anything at all, we have a 10-year-old boy at home that’s looking for his mom and we need to find his mom. People don’t just disappear,” Wayne said.

Friends of Planck told CBSLA Reporter Jeff Nguyen she would never drop out of her son’s life.

“She’s a good person. Good mom. She’s always, always, like the person you want to have around you,” one of Planck’s friends said.

Planck is white, 5-feet-3 inches tall and weighs about 120 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes.

If you have seen or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Planck, Heidi please contact the Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit at 213-996-1800.

During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to http://www.lacrimestoppers.org.

This is a breaking story. Check back for details.

Heidi Planck, 39, Reported Missing From Downey After Failing To Pick Up Son From School

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 00:34:33 +0000

DOWNEY (CBSLA) — Police Thursday were searching for a missing 39-year-old woman who was last seen in the Downey area.

The family of Heidi Planck said they last saw her 11 days ago on Oct. 17 in the 7800 block of Gardendale Street, according to a Los Angeles Police Department statement.

“She’s leaving the house. She’s got the dog following behind her. She’s got a tiny purse under her arm and she jumps into her Range Rover and drives away,” said Jim Wayne, Planck’s ex-husband.

Wayne said Planck left their son’s football game at halftime, adding that she seemed distracted. In a bizarre turn, three hours later, in Downtown LA, her dog was found on the 28th floor of an apartment building. Planck, her silver Range Rover, her purse, her personal phone and computer, however, were all gone.

“If you have seen anything, anything at all, we have a 10-year-old boy at home that’s looking for his mom and we need to find his mom. People don’t just disappear,” Wayne said.

Her friends said Planck was an attentive mother and when she didn’t pick her son up at school later, they were immediately concerned.

“When she didn’t show up to pick Bond up on Wednesday, we knew something was wrong,” one friend said.

“For him not to have heard from his mother for this long, something is seriously wrong,” Wayne said.

Planck’s friends said the apartment building management has refused to allow them to look in the parking garage to see if possibly her SUV is parked there. They also said apartment management won’t share building security tape with police unless they get a warrant. So far, the building’s management has not responded to a request for comment.

Friend and family suspect foul play.

“It seems to us that everything stems from that building where her dog was found,” said a friend.

“I think something has to have happened to her to keep her away from her son,” another friend said.

Planck is white, 5-feet-3 inches tall and weighs about 120 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes.

She was last seen wearing jeans and a gray sweater driving a 2017 gray Range Rover with a black-and-yellow California license plate of U840X0.

If you have seen or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Planck, Heidi please contact the Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit at 213-996-1800.

During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to http://www.lacrimestoppers.org.

CHP Motorcycle Officer Involved In Traffic Collision On Eastbound 105 Freeway At Bellflower Boulevard

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 04:21:00 +0000

DOWNEY (CBSLA) – A California Highway Patrol Officer was involved in traffic collision on the eastbound 105 Freeway at Bellflower Boulevard Saturday night, and has been transported to the hospital.

According to authorities, the officer suffered a broken leg and will recover. No other injuries were reported.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

The sigalert remains active with the number one, two and three lanes blocked on the eastbound 105 Freeway at Bellflower Boulevard.

SIGALERT UPDATE IN DOWNEY. EB I-105 AT BELLFLOWER BLVD., #1, #2, #3 LANES BLOCKED FOR 2 ADDITIONAL HOURS DUE TO A TRAFFIC COLLISION.

— CHP_LA_TRAFFIC (@CHP_LA_TRAFFIC) September 26, 2021

Inglewood Man Arrested In Playa Del Rey Hit-And-Run That Killed Of Downey Mother, Wendy Galdamez Palma

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 16:27:25 +0000

PLAYA DEL REY (CBSLA) — An Inglewood man has been arrested in a hit-and-run crash that killed a mother holding her 3-year-old son while walking in Playa Del Rey.

Darwin Dantzler, 39, was arrested Wednesday, but has since been released after posting $50,000 bail. According to Los Angeles County sheriff’s jail records, he is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 12, 2022.

Police say 33-year-old Wendy Galdamez Palma of Downey was crossing Vista Del Mar in Playa Del Rey with her son in her arms when she was struck by a dark-colored Chevrolet Equinox late Saturday night. The boy survived the crash.

Investigators say the driver did not stop at all after hitting two people, and Galdamez’s family said the devoted mother shielded her son with her own body to protect her from the car that killed her.

The crash remains under investigation by the LAPD for felony hit-and-run.

Woman Fatally Struck By Car In Downey

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 13:52:37 +0000

DOWNEY (CBSLA) — A woman was struck and killed by a car in Downey early Thursday, authorities said.

(credit: CBS)

The crash happened at about 4:50 a.m. on Firestone Boulevard and Newville Avenue, not far from the 605 Freeway.

Police say the car was driving westbound on Firestone, and the impact of the crash threw the woman into the eastbound lanes.

The woman has not been identified, and the driver remained on the scene.

Traffic Alert:

For the next several hours, all lanes of Firestone Boulevard at our east city limits will be closed due to a fatal traffic collision investigation. Please avoid the area.

Thank you. pic.twitter.com/pSIoC1tVQJ

— Downey Police (@DowneyPolice) July 29, 2021

The area around Firestone and Newville was closed for the fatal crash investigation.

Man Arrested After Military Explosives Force Evacuation Of Downey Neighborhood

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 17:17:09 +0000

DOWNEY (CBSLA) – A man was taken into custody after military explosives were found in a Downey home Tuesday night, forcing evacuations.

According to Downey police, at around 4 p.m., officers were called to a home at the 10200 block of Vultee Avenue on a report of a man armed with explosives.

They arrived to find multiple military grade flares and souvenir-style grenades, police said. It was determined the grenades did not have explosive material, however.

Surrounding homes were evacuated, streets were shut down and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad was called in.

The explosive material was safely cleared out of the home by 2 a.m. and nearby residents were allowed back into their own homes, police said.

The suspect, who was not identified, was taken into custody for a mental evaluation.

The sheriff’s department tweeted at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday that the “operation had concluded” and the “neighborhood” was deemed “safe.”

“Several pieces of military ordnance and pounds of propellant powders,” were safely removed, the sheriff’s department wrote.

The name of the suspect and the exact location of where the explosives were being kept was not immediately released.

#LASD SEB on scene assisting our partners @DowneyPolice with an explosives search. Suspect in custody. Operation has concluded. Several pieces of military ordnance and pounds of propellant powders recovered & safely removed from residence. Neighborhood safe. pic.twitter.com/BX3jNNXAyP

— SEB (@SEBLASD) July 28, 2021

Bridge Work Will Close Paramount Blvd. In Downey

Tue, 18 May 2021 21:40:49 +0000

DOWNEY (CBSLA) — An area of the southbound 5 Freeway will be partially closed this weekend in Downey for bridge deck repair work, state transportation officials said.

The 55-hour closure will start at 10 p.m. Friday and end at 5 a.m. Monday.

During the work, Paramount Boulevard will be completely closed underneath the 5 Freeway along with the off-ramp to Paramount Boulevard.

Three out of four southbound lanes will remain open for through traffic on the freeway.

Drivers will be detoured from Paramount Boulevard to Gallatin School House Road and/or Florence Avenue to Lakewood/Rosemead Boulevard to reach their destinations. Some closures may start and end later.

Crews will be cleaning bridge decks, removing concrete from bridge decks and repairing portions of the bridge.

The work is part of a $3.1 million project that will preserve 24 bridges along I-5 and is funded by Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.

Reports Of BB, Pellet Gun Shootings At Cars Expands West To Cerritos

Thu, 13 May 2021 23:00:50 +0000

CERRITOS (CBSLA) — The rash of BB or pellet gun shootings at vehicles on Southern California’s freeways has apparently expanded west to Carson and Downey.

More than a dozen vehicles have been damaged in BB or pellet gun shootings as they drove on Southern California freeways. No one has been hurt in any of the shootings, but authorities are alarmed.

(credit: CHP)

The latest shooting happened Thursday at about 6:50 a.m. in Cerritos on the westbound 91 Freeway near Bloomfield Avenue, according to the CHP. A single shot was found in the driver’s side rear window and may have been fired from the carpool lane.

Another shooting was reported Wednesday night, also on the 91 Freeway in Cerritos, where a white sedan was left several dozen holes and dents in its hood and windshield. The driver, Michael Hernandez, says he saw a flash before hearing his windshield crack. Hernandez says he believes his car was hit by a BB or pellet a couple of months ago as well.

“These two in particular that we’re talking about within the 24-hour period, we don’t believe that they are related. We’re not going to rule that out yet. The initial investigations are still happening,” California Highway Patrol Officer Marcos Iniguez said. “The other incidents that you’re referring to, we don’t know, we don’t have a connection yet between all the incidents that you’re referring to. But again, it is something the Highway Patrol is taking very seriously, and we are looking to see if we can find any type of connection between any of these incidents.”

On Tuesday night, the CHP says they are also investigating a possible airgun shooting in Downey that damaged several windows on a double-deck bus taking Verbum Dei High School soccer players and staff from Los Angeles. The bus was going east on the 105 Freeway, west of Paramount Boulevard, in the carpool lane at about 4 p.m. when an upper deck passenger told the driver a window had been shattered.

When the bus arrived in Santa Fe Springs, the driver called 911 after seeing three of the windows had been damaged. CHP investigators say the damage was consistent with a BB or pellet type gun.

Many of the shootings have occurred along the 91 Freeway and in the Inland Empire, including one that happened about two hours after the bus was shot at in Downey. The driver of a van reported having his windows shattered after being shot as he drove on the 91 Freeway in Riverside. That shooting was followed about an hour later by another incident, also on the 91 Freeway, at Tyler Avenue.

Other shootings, which date back to May 4, have also been reported along the 405, 5, 110, and 105 freeways in Seal Beach, Buena Park, Downey, and Lincoln Heights.

It’s not known yet the shootings are the work of one person, or a group. Descriptions of the shooter have varied, and authorities are trying to work out whether the shots are being fired from a moving vehicle, or from a perch like a sniper.

Leaders of CHP divisions in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties plan to meet later Thursday to compare notes and find any connections between the shootings.

Third-Party Contractor Causes Natural Gas Leak In Downey Prompting Evacuations

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 22:45:55 +0000

DOWNEY (CBSLA) — A natural gas leak was reported in Downey Thursday afternoon prompting temporary evacuations in the area.

(credit: CBSLA)

At approximately 10:34 a.m., SoCalGas crews received reports of a damaged natural gas line in the vicinity of 7800 Stewart and Gray Road.

An emergency alert was sent to many southland residents’ mobile devices around 12:40 p.m.

The Downey Fire Department later said they have a new system for emergency alerts that was being tested Thursday. When they sent the alert for the gas leak, the parameters were not set correctly in the new system and it went to the whole county instead of just Downey residents.

According to SoCalGas, the damage appeared to have been caused by a third-party contractor working in the area.

People are being advised to avoid the area.

IQ Air said while air quality is still being reported as “good,” people should close windows and doors, run an air purifier, and avoid going outside.

#SoCal residents: a natural gas leak has been reported in #Downey.

While air quality is still being reported as "good," be sure to:
Close windows and doors
Run an air purifier
Avoid the outdoors pic.twitter.com/4nlfItPomc

— IQAir (@IQAir) April 22, 2021

A 300-foot square area was evacuated and the Downey Fire Department was standing by to assist the gas company if needed.

As of 1:30 p.m., the fire department was monitoring the gas levels to make sure the evacuation perimeter did not need to be expanded.

Road closures were in place from Stewart and Gray Rd. from Paramount Blvd. to Rives Ave.

There were no injuries immediately reported and the situation was considered stable, the department said.

Driver Killed After Car Slams Into Tree In Downey

Fri, 02 Apr 2021 12:02:31 +0000

DOWNEY (CBSLA) – A driver was killed when a car crashed into a tree in Downey early Friday morning.

April 2, 2021. (CBSLA)

The crash occurred in the 8800 block of Imperial Highway, near Lakewood Boulevard, at around 1:40 a.m.

The driver, and sole occupant, died at the scene, Downey police said.

It’s unclear if speed, drugs or alcohol played a role in the wreck. The exact cause is under investigation.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Investigators Seeking Victims Of Real Estate Fraud Suspect Jaime Gomez Jr.

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 18:20:43 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Authorities are seeking more victims of a Downey man who they say fled California to avoid real estate fraud charges.

(credit: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department)

Jaime Gomez Jr., 41, was charged in June of 2020 with nine felonies, including grand theft, attempted grand theft, identity theft, and recording fraudulent documents. He soon fled the state, but was taken into custody on March 2 by U.S. Marshals in New York and extradited back to Los Angeles, according to sheriff’s officials.

Investigators say between May 2019 and February 2020, he transferred ownership of a Compton property to his company, Trinity Logistics LLC, by with a forged deed, then tried to take out loans against the property and sell it. Gomez also allegedly used the bank account information of a blind 74-year-old man who lived at the property and used it to pay his cell phone and health club membership bills.

According to authorities, Gomez was already on formal probation for a felony auto theft conviction in 2018 at the time these crimes were committed.

Sheriff’s investigators are now asking for anyone who may have worked with Gomez or his company to come forward. Anyone with questions or information can contact fraud and cyber crimes Detective C. Derry or Sgt. J. Luna at (562) 946-7217.

“An Asset To Downey Residents”: Ground Broken For New Sports Complex

Sat, 13 Mar 2021 22:33:28 +0000

DOWNEY (CBSLA/CNS) – Officials broke ground Saturday on the construction of the Downey Sports Complex at Rancho Los Amigos South Campus.

Breaking ground on the Downey Sports Complex at Rancho Los Amigos South Campus:

3 multi sport fields
DOWNEY (CBSLA) – A 3-year-old boy was wounded in a car-to-car shooting late Tuesday night on the 105 Freeway in Downey.

The shooting occurred at 10:30 p.m. on the westbound 105 Freeway near Lakewood Boulevard, according to California Highway Patrol.

A 29-year-old man was driving west on the freeway – with his 3-year-old son in a child seat in the back — when another car pulled up alongside and several gunshots were fired at his car.

The boy was hit by a bullet in the right leg, CHP reports. He was rushed to a hospital by ambulance. His condition was not confirmed.

There was no word on a motive, how many suspects opened fire or whether investigators believe the shooting was targeted or random in nature.

The suspect’s vehicle was only described as a black passenger vehicle.

A Sig Alert was issued and the westbound lanes of the freeway were closed, but have since reopened.

Anyone with information should contact CHP at 562-868-0503.

Downey Man Who Sold Sick Puppies To Pay $200K In Restitution To 63 Families

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 22:51:29 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — A Downey man pleaded no contest Friday to selling dozens of sick puppies and agreed to pay more than $200,000 in restitution to the families who bought them.

(credit: SPCALA)

Gustavo Gonzalez, 27, pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor count of selling live animals on the street. He was immediately sentenced to 87 days in jail, placed on probation for a year, and ordered to pay $203,000 in restitution to 63 families and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles.

“The pets that we bring into our homes become a beloved part of our family. Trying to sell sick puppies to unsuspecting people is just plain wrong,” Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement.

Prosecutors say Gonzalez sold sick puppies to families throughout Southern California between February 2018 and April 2019. Most of the puppies died after they were taken home, according to prosecutors.

Gonzalez was also ordered to undergo a year of counseling for animal cruelty and is prohibited from owning or being around any animals for the next 10 years.

Walmart To Temporarily Close Downey, Torrance, And Huntington Beach Stores For Cleaning, Sanitization

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 22:10:46 +0000

DOWNEY (CBSLA) — Walmart will shut down its Downey, Torrance, and Huntington Beach locations through Friday morning so each store can undergo a deep cleaning and sanitization.

Walmart officials say the Downey Neighborhood Market, 1445 East Foothill Blvd.; the Torrance Supercenter, 22015 Hawthorne Blvd.; and the Huntington Beach Supercenter, 8230 Talbert Ave., will close Wednesday at 2 p.m. Each store will remain closed through Thursday and reopen Friday at 7 a.m.

The retail giant says the closures are part of a company-initiated program to allow a third-party cleaning crew time to thoroughly clean and sanitize the buildings. Walmart has also closed stores in Panorama City, Corona, Compton, Paramount, South Gate, Lancaster and Upland over the past few weeks for similar deep cleanings.

The company has not said whether any of its employees have tested positive at any of its stores, and only its Compton location has been cited recently due to lack of compliance with the health officer order, according to the LA County Department of Public Health.

“Everything we’re doing is for the well-being of our associates and customers, and in consideration of guidance by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and health experts,” the company’s statement said.

Security Camera Catches Man With Child Stealing Turf From Downey Gym

Sat, 09 Jan 2021 06:32:56 +0000

DOWNEY (CBSLA) — Security cameras were rolling around 2:30 a.m. Monday when a man, and what appeared to be young girl, walked up to the outdoor tent at Winning Image Fitness, but they were not there for personal training.

Security cameras were rolling around 2:30 a.m. Monday when a man, and what appeared to be young girl, walk up to the outdoor tent at Winning Image Fitness, but they were not there for personal training. (Security camera)

Armed with a sharp object, the male suspect cut a large portion of the gym’s brand new turn. The man then rolls it up as the child looks on.

“I couldn’t imaging why they’d take a piece of it,” Maria Johnson, who owns the gym with her husband, said.

She said they recently spent nearly $1,000 on new turf, and while that might not seem like a lot for some businesses, it was a blow to the couple who have seen their income drop dramatically in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the owner said it was not the theft that had her so upset.

“When I saw this man with a child, it really was heart-wrenching,” Johnson said. “Then I forgot about the fact that they stole our property.”

Before leaving, the suspect grabbed his bags and motioned for the girl to pick up the turf, but she couldn’t and the man took it instead.

And while Johnson said she understands that the pandemic has taken a toll on everyone, she said the suspect did not have to steal.

“If they really needed the turf or they needed something to provide for their child, their family — come and ask us,” she said.

Downey police took a report and said they were looking into the theft.

Woman Found Dead In Downey

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 13:31:34 +0000

DOWNEY (CBSLA) — A woman in her 30s has been found dead in Downey.

(credit: CBS)

Police say they got a report of an injured woman in front of a home at about 11:15 p.m. Sunday in the 11600 block of Lakewood Boulevard. Officers arrived to find an unresponsive woman with a head wound.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Her name has not been released.

There were few details about the death, but investigators are looking at a car they believe is linked to the incident.

No information was released about how the woman cause of death or why she was in the area.

Anyone with information can call the Downey Police Department at (562) 904-2308.

Police Officer Pleads Guilty In 2018 Hit-And-Run Charge

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 23:38:43 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — A former police officer is charged in a 2018 hit-and-run in the Lakewood area and causing moderate injuries.

36-year-old Peter Mendoza, who was off-duty as a Downey police officer at the time, is facing two counts of assault with a deadly weapon and one count of hit-and-run driving resulting in injury to another person, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said.

He pleaded not guilty to charges on Friday stemming from the alleged road rage incident.

On Oct. 22, 2018, Mendoza was driving the truck that hit a car with two occupants on a freeway offramp, causing the driver to lose control and hit another vehicle, officials said.

Mendoza is accused of leaving the scene, where the DA said both drivers and passengers suffered injuries.

It is unclear what Mendoza’s current employment status is within the Downey Police Department.

If convicted on the charges, he faces up to five years and eight months in prison.

His current status with the Downey Police Department was not immediately available.

Rapper Travis Scott Fined For Burger Launch Event At Downey McDonald’s

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 23:59:30 +0000

DOWNEY (CBSLA) — Rapper Travis Scott has been fined for holding a burger launch event at a McDonald’s in Downey last week.

Travis Scott surprises crew and customers at McDonald’s for the launch of the Travis Scott Meal Sept. 08 in Downey, California. (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for McDonald’s)

Videos posted to social media showed the 28-year-old entertainer pulling up to the restaurant in a red Lamborghini as fans surrounded the car before he got out and gave what appeared to be an impromptu performance.

The city of Downey fined Scott $200 for not having a permit to film and not getting an event permit for a crowd of more than 200 people — many of whom were seen not wearing face coverings.

The event was held to celebrate the launch of the Cactus Jack — a collaboration between Scott and the fast food restaurant chain. It is the chain’s first celebrity meal since 1992 when McDonald’s partnered with NBA legend Michael Jordan.

Rapper Travis Scott Mobbed By Fans At Downey McDonald’s

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 21:30:20 +0000

DOWNEY (CBSLA) — Rapper Travis Scott stopped by a McDonald’s in Downey Tuesday to celebrate the launch of his collaboration with the fast food restaurant chain.

Travis Scott really pulled up in #Downey pic.twitter.com/HMHkiJoCel

— Alejandra Stephanie Ramirez (@ASRamirez22) September 8, 2020

Videos posted to social media show the entertainer pulling up to the restaurant in a red Lamborghini as fans surrounded the car before he got out and gave what appeared to be an impromptu performance.

travis scott in downey was probs the craziest thing pic.twitter.com/K3jS8W5FcB

— a(◠‿◠✿) (@medinaastrid24) September 8, 2020

The 28-year-old collaborated with the chain to introduce the Cactus Jack’s combo meal, which includes a Quarter Pounder with cheese topped with bacon and lettuce, medium fries with barbecue dipping sauce and a Sprite.

CACTUS JACK FOR MCDONALD’S https://t.co/48HdxmgwO4 pic.twitter.com/ke0a7U9g4n

— TRAVIS SCOTT (@trvisXX) September 3, 2020

Porto’s Temporarily Closes Downey Location After 3 Team Members Test Positive For COVID-19

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 18:00:19 +0000

DOWNEY (CBSLA) — Porto’s Bakery says they have voluntarily shut down its Downey location after three team members tested positive for COVID-19.

The wildly popular Cuban bakery and café posted a message to its social media accounts Thursday, informing its followers of temporary closure.

To Our Valued Guests: The safety and well-being of our team, guests and our community are fundamental to our family business. Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to temporarily close our Downey bakery. Please note, all other Porto’s Bakery locations remain open. pic.twitter.com/1LcL6fMebL

— Porto's Bakery (@Portos) June 25, 2020

“While this closure in Downey is not required, we have decided to take this voluntary measure following three team members who tested positive for COVID-19, even though these employees had been self-quarantined and not reported to work since prior to being tested,” the bakery said in their message.

Porto’s says it will bring in an outside professional company to disinfect the entire bakery during the closure, which will also give team members time to get tested.

The bakery says it plans to resume in-car pickup via online ordering in Downey on Monday.

Suspect Arrested In Hit-And-Run Crash That Killed Man, Woman On 5 Freeway In Downey

Sun, 24 May 2020 05:20:05 +0000

DOWNEY (CBSLA) — A deadly hit-and-run crash that killed two people was caught on dashcam video on Sunday afternoon.

It happened shortly after 2:30 p.m. at the Paramount exit on the 5 Freeway in Downey.

A white Fiat appeared to clip a red sedan and sent it spiraling off the freeway and slamming into a tree.

The man and woman who were traveling in the red vehicle were killed and the Fiat took off from the scene.

The suspect was arrested after independent news photographer Hector Gerardo witnessed the crash and followed him, while calling 911.

“The red car was just on its own driving normally and the white car was going in and out of lanes,” Gerardo said. “Thirty seconds later, he starts to move over to the right and clips the red car. I yelled pretty loudly and I was like, wow I can’t believe this is happening and just, I did what I had to do, either I pull over and try to help people which in my mind I knew they were beyond what I could do and so my best instinct was to go forward and follow the suspect.”

Police caught up to the suspect near Florence Avenue and Studebaker Road, about three miles from the crash scene.

California Highway Patrol said the driver did not appear under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but will likely face felony hit-and-run charges.

“Unfortunately those two people who were just traveling down the freeway, their lives were taken away from them,” Gerardo said.

Neither the suspect or victims’ names have been released.

Downey Man Charged In Beating Death of 6-Year-Old Boy

Mon, 30 Dec 2019 22:08:36 +0000

DOWNEY (CBSLA) — A 23-year-old Downey man was charged with murder Monday in the beating death of a 6-year-old boy the day after Christmas, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced.

Tyler D’Shaun Martin Brand was arrested Thursday night in connection with the death of 6-year- old Dayvon Taylor of Long Beach.

Dayvon Taylor died Thursday after allegedly being beaten to death by a 23-year-old Downey man. (CBSLA)

According to police, Dayvon was taken to St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach Thursday around 6 p.m. and died shortly after he arrived. The coroner’s office determined the death was a homicide.

Prosecutors said Brand had been caring for the boy for several days over the holiday break. According to the District Attorney’s Office, the boy was severely beaten.

“My son’s mother let her guard down so that this man had too much time with my child, and didn’t really know nothing about him,” Dayon’s father said Friday. “I wish I could have did more for my son, but unfortunately I was in the blind.”

Police described Brand only as an acquaintance of the boy’s mother, but prosecutors said Brand was the boy’s godfather.

Brand, who remains jailed in lieu of $2 million bail, faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted.

A candlelight vigil was held for Dayvon on Saturday in South Los Angeles.

Vigil Held For 6-Year-Old Long Beach Boy Allegedly Beaten To Death By Downey Man

Sun, 29 Dec 2019 04:12:24 +0000

SOUTH LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — A vigil was held Saturday night for a 6-year-old boy who was allegedly beaten to death by a 23-year-old Downey man.

Dayvon Taylor died Thursday after allegedly being beaten to death by a 23-year-old Downey man. (CBSLA)

The memorial continued to grow as loved ones stood outside the home of Dayvon Taylor’s grandmother in South Los Angeles. They gathered in prayer and lit candles to remember the little boy who died Thursday after being taken to a Long Beach hospital for his injuries.

Police have yet to release details surrounding the boy’s death, but family members said he died at the hands of his basketball coach Tyler D’Shaun Martin-Brand, who was arrested and booked on suspicion of murder Friday.

“Dayvon was a loving, fun, just adorable kid that was very energetic, loved people, loved to play,” Virginia Sewell, Dayvon’s aunt, said. “He loved basketball, and he was just a caring kid, he loved everybody.”

The family said they were still trying to wrap their heads around the tragedy.

9-Year-Old Attempts To Keep Holiday Spirit Alive After Thieves Steal Decorations Twice From Downey Home

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 06:30:38 +0000

DOWNEY (CBSLA) — A home in Downey, decked out for the holidays, has been visited by thieves not once, but twice.

Nickole Jones’ holiday decorations are beloved by neighbors, including 9-year-old Santiago Macias.

Thieves have struck twice at this Downey home, stealing holiday decorations.

After some decorations were stolen from Jones’ yard last year, she decided she would no longer be decorating her home.

In October, Santiago found out that Jones would no longer be decorating her home, he wrote her a letter and donated $20 of his own money in hopes it would encourage her to continue decorating.

The letter wrote in part, “I think you should not stop decorating because I love your lights. I know children love it too.”

“I decided to donate the $20 to Nickole,” Santiago told CBSLA’s Dave Lopez.

Jones said the letter melted her heart and she quickly decorated her home.

“I was amazed,” said Santiago upon seeing Jones’ decorations. “It was the most prettiest thing I’ve ever seen.”

On Sunday evening, security footage captured a man opening the trunk of his car and stealing multiple decorations from Jones’ yard.

The act left Jones in disgust yet again. She said she hasn’t even thought about decorating for next year, but will leave the decor up for now.

2 Shot And Wounded At Downey Apartment

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 13:31:30 +0000

DOWNEY (CBSLA) — Two people were hospitalized Monday after being shot at an apartment in Downey.

Downey police got reports of a shooting at Bellflower Boulevard and Washburn Road at about 2 a.m. Two victims were found at the scene with what are believed to be non-life-threatening wounds.

The ages and genders of the victims were not immediately available, Downey police Sgt. M. Clenann said. They are expected to survive.

No description of the suspect is available.